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54.4%Acceptance
$46,500Tuition
1,125Students
70%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$61,296Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About Austin College

Austin College builds tight-knit academic communities where professors know every student's name. The 1,125 students on this Sherman campus benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that makes large lecture halls impossible. This Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college has cultivated strong pre-professional programs since 1849, particularly in medicine and law. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a full January term to dive deep into internships or unique coursework.

The financial picture reveals careful institutional support for middle-class families. Students pay an average net price of $23,451, well below the sticker price of $46,500. Graduates earn a median of $61,296 ten years after leaving, making their typical debt load of $24,500 manageable with monthly payments around $260. The school awards institutional grants averaging $33,033 to 25% of students.

The Kangaroos compete in 16 Division III sports without athletic scholarships, keeping the focus on academics. Nearly 92% of students come from Texas, creating a distinctly regional culture in this small city setting. The 69.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's commitment to seeing students through, though some take longer to finish than at more selective institutions.

Academics & Faculty

Austin College operates as a classic liberal arts institution where students explore diverse disciplines before specializing. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and mentor them closely. This personal attention helps explain the solid 71.3% four-year graduation rate. The college has built a strong reputation for pre-professional programs, particularly pre-med and pre-law preparation. Students benefit from the Four-One-Four calendar system, which includes a January term for internships or study abroad. The Presbyterian heritage emphasizes critical thinking and ethical reasoning across all majors. With just 1,125 students, class discussions replace lecture halls, and research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students become accessible to undergraduates.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
85.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
71.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
69.5%
Retention Rate
80.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,296
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $50,439
Economics. Bachelor $44,384
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $38,289
Biology, General. Bachelor $32,925
International Relations and National Security Studies. Bachelor $29,685
History. Bachelor $25,967
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. Bachelor $25,194
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Bachelor $24,035
Political Science and Government. Bachelor $24,035
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $23,351

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

Austin College sits in Sherman, Texas, about an hour north of Dallas, putting big-city internships and entertainment within reach. With 1,125 students and housing capacity for 1,198, nearly everyone lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals personally.

Texas heat dominates much of the school year, so pack sunscreen and lightweight clothes for August through October. Winters are mild but bring occasional freezing spells that require a jacket. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a month-long January term for internships, study abroad, or intensive courses. About 376 students compete in 16 NCAA Division III sports as the Kangaroos, while others find weekend activities in campus organizations or day trips to Dallas. The Presbyterian heritage creates a values-centered environment without overwhelming religious requirements. With 92% of students from Texas, you'll find plenty of Lone Star State pride mixed with small-college traditions that build lasting friendships across all four years.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,198 beds
Calendar System
Four-One-Four
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1849

Campus Safety (2023)

12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 3 3 0 0
Fondling 2 2 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
33°–51°F
July Avg
72°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
43.6"
Annual Snowfall
1.1"

Student Demographics

Austin College draws heavily from Texas, with 92% of students staying close to home for this Presbyterian liberal arts education. The student body reflects Texas's diversity, with Hispanic students making up a quarter of enrollment and meaningful representation from Black and Asian communities. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize writing and critical thinking. With 30% of students receiving Pell Grants, Austin College serves a mix of middle-class families seeking affordable private education. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio attracts students who want personal attention from professors rather than getting lost in large lecture halls.
Men
47.9%
Women
52.1%
White
50.3%
Black
7.2%
Hispanic
25.1%
Asian
10.8%
In-State Students
92.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
30.4%

Location

Austin College sits in Sherman, Texas, about 65 miles north of Dallas. The campus enrolls 1,125 students in this small city of roughly 42,000 residents near the Oklahoma border. Sherman offers a classic college town atmosphere with historic downtown areas and local restaurants that cater to the student population. The surrounding region features rolling hills and lakes, providing outdoor recreation opportunities beyond the typical Texas landscape. With 92.06% of students coming from within Texas, many appreciate the proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth while enjoying a smaller community feel. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Austin College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Sherman, Texas 75090-4400
Campus Exteriors - Fall 2024 KK-16
Campus Exteriors - Fall 2024 KK-16
Collins Alumni Center - Austin College
Collins Alumni Center - Austin College
Wynne Chapel - Austin College
Wynne Chapel - Austin College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,296
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,983
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,900
Loan Repayment Rate
73.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$260/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Austin College?

Austin College accepts 54.37% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1370 on the SAT, reflecting the college's focus on attracting academically strong students to its liberal arts programs.

How much does Austin College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Austin College is $23,451, which is less than the full tuition of $46,500. About 25% of students receive institutional grants averaging $33,033, helping make this Presbyterian liberal arts education more affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Austin College?

Austin College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,125 total students. This small size allows for the close mentoring relationships the college is known for, particularly in its strong pre-professional programs.

What do Austin College graduates earn after graduation?

Austin College alumni earn a median salary of $61,296 ten years after graduation with a 91.9% employment rate. Graduates typically leave with $24,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $260, reflecting reasonable debt loads for a private liberal arts education.

Where is Austin College located and what is campus life like?

Austin College sits in Sherman, Texas, a small city about an hour north of Dallas. With housing capacity for 1,198 students and 16 Division III varsity sports, campus life revolves around the tight-knit community of Kangaroos athletics and residential experiences.

Does Austin College have a diverse student body?

Austin College's student body is 50.31% white, 25.07% Hispanic, 10.84% Asian, and 7.20% Black. About 92% of students come from Texas, and 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves both middle-class and lower-income students from across the state.